“LaSALLE COUNTY, Ill – Tuesday’s storm caused extensive damage in LaSalle County, homes were blown apart and large trees were knocked down.

Ottawa’s Mayor believes the new Nixle system, helped save lives of citizens in the city.

‘Our citizens were advised, by phone, cell phone about the appending tornado and i think hopefully in minimizing the fatalities,’ Mayor Robert M Eschbach said. Many believe without the new software, things could have been much worse.

‘They did a good job warning people, when they sent those alarm outs and probably saved lives. If someone had been outside walking, they’d be dead right now, they did a good job, i have got to give them credit for that,’ Gerald Stevens said.”